Is there no end to the downgrading of music?
I'd like to know Zep's rationale for caving in

Caving in?

This is the same Led Zeppelin who are also releasing an upgraded version of The Song Remains The Same on HD-DVD and Blu-ray:

"We have revisited 'The Song Remains The Same'," says Jimmy Page, "and can now offer the complete set as played at Madison Square Garden. This differs substantially from the original soundtrack released in 1976, and highlights the technical prowess of Kevin Shirley, who worked with us on 'How The West Was Won'. When it comes to 'The Song Remains The Same', the expansion of the DVD and soundtrack are as good as it gets on the Led Zeppelin wish list."

And personally, I would rather listen to Led Zeppelin in iTunes, than hi-rez recordings of many of the so-called rock stars on the scene today!

Meanwhile, the only reason why The Beatles have not yet jumped on board, is the long-running Apple Records -vs- Apple Computers legal war... which will soon resolve itself.

When it comes to sound quality...
the mass public is often Dazed and Confused...
mostly because this entire industry suffers from a massive Communication Breakdown.

But just because compressed music is What Is and What Should Never Be...
is no cause to send this band to the Gallows Pole !!

And you're right about probably the only reason the Beatles are absent.

But while I applaud Zep's UPgrading their catalog sound quality availability, it's yet another revenue stream for them . . . and even more reason why they, of all rockers, could've made a point by saying No, we won't go there, to iTunes -- we made great-sounding music and we made it in albums. Deal with it.

iTunes Offers Exclusive Pre-Order of New Paul McCartney Album “Memory Almost Full”
Complete Catalog of 25 Solo Albums Coming to iTunes This Month

CUPERTINO, California—May 15, 2007—Apple® today announced that thirteen-time Grammy award winner Paul McCartney’s new album, "Memory Almost Full" is available for digital pre-order beginning today exclusively on the iTunes® Store. Customers pre-ordering the 13 track album in the US will receive the "Dance Tonight" music video when the album is delivered and the single “Ever Present Past”, immediately upon pre-ordering the new album.

Additionally, Paul McCartney's full catalog of 25 solo albums will be available for the first time digitally on iTunes later this month.